System and apparatus for lifting fluid from wells



Nov. 17, 1942. J. D. NIXON 2,302,391

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID FROM WELLS v .Filedoct. 22, 1940 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q "1 1 worm-yo JEDD YD. N/x0- Nov. 17, 1942 345 344 -aa'e J. D. NIXON SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIF'IING FLUID FROM WELLS Filed 001;. 22, 1940 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 o o 0 0 12 gwwm i "'11 93 JEDDYZJ. /V/x0/v Nav. 17, 1942. J, D. NIXON 2,302,391

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID FROM WELLS Filed Oct. 22, 1940 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 NOW 1942- I J. D. NIXON 2,302,391

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID FROM WELLS Filed Oct. 22, 1940 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 llllHl Ill 3 O 3/5 I 324 3/4- 30 30.9 3 5 307- -304 2 B a- K 32 Jaws D. /\//X0/\/ Chicane/1 Nov. 17, 1942. J.D. NIXON 2,302,391

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID FROM WELLS Filed on. 22, 1940 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 31 JEDD v0. /\//x0 v cum;

NOV. 17, 1942. J xo 2,302,391

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID FROM WELLS Filed Oct. 22, 1940 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 L "I" A Patented Nov. 17, 1942 SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LIFTING FLUID FROM WELLS Jeddy D. Nixon, Houston,

Tex., assignor of onehalf to Wilson Supply Company, Houston, Tex., a corporation of Texas Application October 22, 1940, Serial No. 362,282

20 Claims.-

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in systems and apparatus for lifting fluid from wells.

This invention while relating to an improved well fluid lifting system and eliminating the use of ;a wire line, involves certain instrumentalities and features, which in some respects are improvements upon my Patents No. 2,171,478, No. 2,171,479, No. 2,202,462,- and No. 2,245,005.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved well fluid lifting system which avoids the .use of a wire line and the attendant difficulties encountered where such a line is used; and which also employs only a single string of tubing and the usual outer well casing, such as is now in common use on flowing and pumped wells, but wherein the usual well casing is employed as a storage reservoir for the lifting fluid which fluid may be, at all times, maintained under suiflcient head pressure as to immediately exert its full force against the column of well fluid to be lifted, when such lifting fluid' is admitted to the well fluid.

-A' particular object of the inventionis to provide an improved well fluid lifting system of a highly flexible character, whereby any desired volume of the fluid produced'by the well may be lifted and discharged, regardless of the depth of the well.-

A further object ofthe invention is to provide a system of thecharacterfdescribed which will operate efficiently and economically under substantially any feasible pressure, which 'may be available or which may be produced artificially; also under substantially any condition or requirement, sofar'as is now known,thus assuring successful and profitable fluid lifting.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved system of the character described whereby lifting fluid-admission valve elements which project into and partially obstruct the well tubing are eliminated and wherein lifting fluidadmission valves may be employed, which, while providing a full and free flowing opening, do not in any way obstruct the flow space or bore of the well tubing, thus assuring a flow tubing which has its full cross-sectional area free of obstruction throughout its length, thus not only providing adequate upstream flow for the free gas, and full tubing capacity for the elevated column of well fluid, but permitting up and down passage of 'toolsIas in the ordinary tubing string now in common use. 7 An important object of the invention is to provide an improved system of flowing wells which includes asingle string of tubinghaving inde:

pendently movable sections and lifting fluid ad-,

mission valves associated therewith, whereby the tubing string may be manipulated from the surface for selectively opening and closing said valves and for positively controlling the flowing of the well. A further object of the invention is to provide an improvedsystem of flowing wells which includes a plurality of valves mounted in the tubing.-

so arranged that upon movement of the tubing in one direction, part of the valves are operated and upon movement of the tubing in the other direction, other of the valves are operated, whereby a more positive control and operation'of a number of valves is obtainedand any one of the series of valves may be opened and closed as desired. I

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved system of flowing wells which includes a single string of tubing including lifting fluid valvemeans and carrying a packer, together. with mechanically actuated means at the surface for moving said tubing to open and close said valves. I i

It is an important object of the invention to provide an improved well fluid lifting system which while vertically actuating the usual, well tubing does so to perform each lifting fluid admission and flowing step, and this tubing moving operation is carried out by mechanical means, thus avoiding manual manipulation and theattendant uncertainties thereof and providing for more accurate and reliable actuation for each admission and flowing step. i g

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved Well fluid lifting system which is simple and efficient and the control and regulation thereof is positive to accommodate the vari-. ous requirements presented, whereby the welloperator by making a few simple adjustments in the field may control the operation of the system, as desired, or as becomes necessary, so that'the opening of the desired valve from which the well fluid will be produced may be readily controlled. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved well fluid lifting system that has a timing mechanism for controlling the time and length of actuation for admitting lifting fluid to thewell fluid, so constructed that the regulating of the timeof admission as well as the length of time may be easily made by the usual well 5 5 operator, whereby the necessary adjustments may be readily made to handle the well fluid lifting requirements.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved system of controlling the lifting of well fluid from the producing level of a Well to the surface that has means for admitting a portion of lifting fluid from a source to the well fluid to lift the same which means is operated from the well surface for controlling the point of introduction of said lifting fluid admitting means, together with means on the surface for regulating the operation of said surface controlling means, whereby the admittance of lifting fluid to said well fluid is controlled.

t is a particular object of the invention to provide an improved intermittently actuated control mechanism which is so arranged that the duration of admission of lifting fluid may be controlled by a timing mechanism, or by the flow of the well fluid per se, whereby a control mechanism is provided which will handle all well flowing conditions and requirements economically and satisfactorily.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved system of controlling the flow of well fluid that has means for admitting lifting fluid from a source to the well fluid to lift the same, which means is operated from the well surface for controlling the admittance of the admitted lifting fluid to said well-fluid, together 1 with means actuated by said controlling means for flowing said well fluid from below the point of admission of said lifting fluid.

-A further objection of the invention is to provide an improved system of producing or lifting fluids from a well under varying flowing conditions and involving an improved intermittent fluid control mechanism connected to a supply of pressure fluid and means in the control mechanism for icy-passing a low pressure actuating fluid to control the supply of pressure fluid to the actuating mechanism, together with timing means for the controlling mechanism, whereby the operation of the actuating mechanism is controlled for admitting lifting fluid to the well fluid. Also, means are provided in said control means for releasing the pressure fluid from the actuating mechanism to cut off the supply of pressure fluid thereto and this releasing means is so arranged as to be actuat-ed either by the flowing pressure of the well 1',

fluid or by the timing mechanism.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable by-pass means in the releasing means of an intermittent control mechanism which may be so regulated as to maintain a predetermined back pressure on the actuating mechanism to conserve pressure fluid and to control the positioning of said actuating mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved control mechanism for the actuating mechanism which is so constructed that the length of time the flow valves are held open is regulated and the length of time said flow valves are held closed also is regulated, whereby a positive control. of the operation of said flow valves is had.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features and objects of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the above-ground control and actuating mechanism of well fluid iii) lifting system, constructed in accordancewiththe 75 invention and showing such mechanism in one operative position;

Figure 2 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation of a section of the underground structure and is a continuation of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a similar view and is a continuation of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, and i a continuation of Figure 3 showing the packer set or expanded;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the control and actuating mechanism in another operating position;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2 and is a continuation of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 3 and is a continuation of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a View similar to Figure 4 and is a continuation of Figure 7, the packer being set;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 1, and showing another operating position;

Figure 10 is a continuation of Figure 9, illustrating how a pressure differential operated type of valve may be used with the invention;

Figure 11 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, and is a continuation of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a similar view and is a continuation of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an enlarged, vertical, cross-sectional view of the actuating means of the surface actuating mechanism;

Figure 14 is a plan view of the surface actuating mechanism and control means;

Figure 15 is a reduced horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line l5-l 5 of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a transverse, vertical sectional view taken on the line l6l6 of Figure 13;

Figure 17 is a side elevation of the actuating mechanism showing the opposite side from Figures l, 5 and 9;

Figure 18 is a transverse, vertical sectional view of one of the kick-off valves;

Figure 19 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of the intermittent control mechanism and its housing;

Figure 20 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view of a portion of the operating mechanism of the intermittent control mechanism;

Figure 21 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line 2l2l of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is an enlarged sectional View of the time controlled valve for regulating the actuation of the control mechanism, showing said valve in its closed position; together with a portion of the escapement wheel and various operating positions of the roller which are indicated in dotted lines;

Figure 23 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of said time controlled valve in its open position;

Figure 24 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the regulator valve of the control mechanism, shown in an open position;

Figure 25 is a transverse, vertical sectional view of the release valve of the control mechanism, showing said valve to be actuated by the pressure of the flowing well fluid;

Figure 26 is an enlarged view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of the check valve and pressure equalizing or by-pass valve mechanism connected into the line leading from the intermittent control mechanism to the actuating mechanism;

Figure 27 'isan enlarged, horizontal, cross-sectional View taken on the line 2l,21 of Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a similar view taken on the line 2828 of Figure 26;

Figure 29 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the bottom hole valve showing the details thereof, in an open position;

Figure 30 is a horizontal, cross sectional view taken on the line 30-30 of Figure 29;

Figure 31 is a similar view taken on the line 3l-3l of Figure 29; and

Figure 32 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on the line 32-32 of Figure 16.

In the drawings the numeral 48 designates the usual well casing, which has a well tubing string 4| depending axially therethrough. The upper end of the casing is screwed into a casing head 42, as is best shown in Figure 13, and an annular cover or cap 43 therefor is bolted'upon the upper face of the casing head 42. This cap is provided axially with a suitable stuffing box recess or chamber M for receiving packing means 25; and an annular follower ring or hold down block it is bolted onto the upper surface of said cap A relatively short, tubular polish ember or rod 4! is slidably mounted in said stuffing box it and the lower end of said member is provided with an externally screw-threaded pin 58 for engaging in the threaded box d9 of a connecting collar Elli, which collar receives the upper end of the tubing string 4! for supporting and actuating the same. i

The tubing string may extend substantially the full length of said casing to, and its lower end may terminat within the lower portion of said casing, or it may extend below said casing to within a short distance of the bottom of the well, or any. distance below the lower end of said casing as required. It is to be noted that the tubing string is substantially continuous and, as will hereinafter be pointed out, is free from internal obstructions so that its full flowing capacity and cross-sectional area are available for flowing the well fluid. A suitable liner (not shown), either perforated or plain, may be provided on the lower end of said casing, if desired; or the lower portion of the well bore below said casing may be open or uncased, as shown in the drawings. The tubing string 4| is preferably provided with a number of flow or kick-off valves 52 intermediate its ends and in spaced relation to the standing fluid level of the well, as pointed out in my above-mentioned patents and co-pending applications. These valves serve to lower the well fluid level in said casing 40 and said well tubing M down to the point or level at which it is desired to operate or produce the well. There may be only one kick-off or flow valve mounted in said tubing string, or any number necessary to accomplish the desired results.

In some instances, one of these kick-off valves, or substantially the same, is used as a flow or operating valve, but in other wells where it becomes necessary to produce said well fluid at a point below the end of said casing string; or in a liner. if used; or below a perforated portion of. said casing string; the usual kick-off valve 52 may not be used at this point. Therefore, under such latter conditions, it is necessary, to shut off or set a packer 53, preferably of my own con struction and similar to that shown in my Patent No. 2,171,479, although any suitable packer or other seal-off device may be used. It is preferred to connect the packer 53 to said tubing string and to set said packer as low in said casing string as is possible, in accordance with the position of a liner (not shown), or of the above-mentioned perforations in a liner or the casing (both of whichare not shown), all being subject to variations as conditions may warrant.

The construction of these kick-off valves includes an elongated, external cylindrical collar 54 (Figure 18) having its upper edge externally beveled 'to facilitate travel through said casing and through any well. fluid. The upper end of this collar is provided with an internally screwthreaded box 55 for receiving an externally screw-threaded pin 56 on the lower end of a section of the tubing ll which said valve is to be connected. The axial bore of said collar 54 is provided with an inwardly directed, annular guide rib the inner diameter of which is substan tiaiiy the same as the inner diameter of said tubing string at. It will be seen in Figures 2, 6 and 18, that the upper and lower edges of said rib 5'? are beveled or tapered to facilitate the passage of tools through said tubing string and said rib.

The collar 54 is counterbored at the. lower edge of the lower face of said guide rib 51, so as to form a broad, annular shoulder 53. The lower end of this counterbore 5% is provided with an internally screw-threaded box 68 for receiving an upstanding, externally screw-threaded, tubular pin ii on the upper end of a cylindrical shim ole 82 having a band or ring of radial perforations 53 intermediate its ends. The upper end of said pin til is provided with an internal, annular, ground seat 66. A relatively soft metal packing or sealing ring 64 is interposed between said. collar thimble 54 and 62, so as to form a seal or fluid-tightjoint. The lower end of the thimble 2 is inturned to form an annular flange 55, vhich has a snug sliding fit or engagement with th external surface of said tubing string 56.

A mandrel 10, which may be a short sectionof tubing, has its lower end screw-threaded into a coupling collar 5! of the section ll of the tubing string, whereby said mandrel supports said latter section. The mandrel extends up through th thimble 62 into the counter bore 55. The upper end of the mandrel is upset to form an enlarged annular head 51 which is provided with an overhanging beveled valve face 61 for co-acting with the annular seat 66, whereby th mandrel is suspended when said face is seated. The head above the valve face is formed with radial ports or perforations 63 opening into an annular recess 55 formed in the outer annular surface of said head. The upper end of the bore of said mandrel it is beveled complementary to the lower edge of said guide rib 51, so that when the upper end of said upset portion of said mandrel is abutting the shoulder 58, a substantially continuous passageway is formed from said mandrel through said rib.

Attention is called to the fact that the inner diameter of said pin 5! is considerably larger than the external or outside diameter of said mandrel 33, whereby an ample annular fluid passageway is provided therebetween, so that when said mandrel is in its upper or open position,

as shown in Figures 2 and 18, fluid may flow' from the casing 9, through said perforations 63, into the collar 52, through the pin 6!, into the counterbor 58, through the portsEli and into the bore of the mandrel "if: and the tubing string til. It will be seen that when the tubing string it, which carries the valve 52, is lifted or raised, the valve member El will engage the seat ,66

and close off this flow passage, as Well as to pick up and support the tubing string section 4| below said valve 52. Whenever said tubing string 4: is lowered, the valve seat 63 will be moved away from its face 67 to open this passage for the flow of fluid, and the head 61' of said mandrel 10 will move approximately to the position shown in Figures 2 and 18, or until the upper end of said head engages said shoulder 58.

As many of this type of ki k-off valves may be connected in said tubing string as may be required for the particular installation and these other kick-01f valves will be substantially the same. However, the lowermost kick-off valve may be substantially the same, as has been described for the valve 52, but it is preferred that this valve H (Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7) be slightly different in that a spring I? is mounted upon the upper end of the upset head H of the mandrel Ill and the upper end of this spring abuts the shoulder 58'. Of course, the perforations 69 and the channel or recess 58 are not needed, so that the upset head of this type of valve 10 is not as thick or long as in said valve 52; however, the seat 66 and valve face 81 are employed.

It is pref rred that where a valve is to be installed for lifting well fluid from below said packer or seal-off device 53, that a slightly different form of valve be used known as a bottom hole valve and that this valve usually be mounted as close to said valve H as is possible. A cylindrical collar 13 (Figures 3, '7, 11 and 29) is provided at the upper end of said bottom hole valve and this collar is provided with an internally screwthreaded box 74 for receiving the externally screw-threaded pin l on the lower end of said mandrel It! or tubing forming this mandrel for said valve H to connect said valve into said tubing string. The lower end of this box is provided with an annular guide rib it, similar to said guide rib 51 and is provided for the same purpose. The lower end of said collar '53 is provided with an axially depending, externally screw-threaded pin H for receiving an elongated, cylindrical thimble 18. It will be noticed that the bore of this thimble is considerably larger than the bore of said tubing M.

The lower portion of the bore of this thimble is formed with a number of inwardly directed, spaced ribs or rings '19, and the lower end of said thimble 18 has an inturned flange 89, similar to the flanges 65 of the other valves. The upper end of the section of tubing 4! forms a mandrel 8| telescoping with said thimble 78, so as to have a sliding engagement with the inner faces of said ribs 19 and flange 86, whereby the recesses formed between said ribs 19 and said flang 83 may be filled or provided with suitable annular packing rings 82 for sealing around said mandrel BI and preventing the passage of fluid along said mandrel into said thimble 8. The upper end of said mandrel 8! is upset to form an annular flange or head 83 which overhangs and engages the uppermost ring 19 to prevent the separation of said mandrel 8| and thimble F8. The upper end of the bore of said mandrel Si is beveled, the same as the bores of said mandrels 7d and 70 of the other valves 54 and H and for the same purposes.

This upper section composed of the collars l3 and thimble 18 is spaced from the lower section which comprises an elongated, cylindrical body 84, having an axial, upstanding, annular pin 85 thereon for engaging in the internally screwthreaded box 86 of a cylindrical cap or collar 81.

The upper end of this cap 81 is formed with an inturned flange 88 similar to the flanges 65 and 80, and thi flange 88 has a snug sliding engagement with the tubular mandrel 8|. This cap 81 is provided intermediate its ends with a band or ring of perforations 89. The inner diameter of the pin is larger than the outer diameter of the mandrel 8i, so that an ample annular flow passage is formed therearound. The upper end of the bore of said pin 8-5 is beveled to form an annular seat 90 and the mandrel 8| is externally upset and beveled to form an annular valve member 9! thereon to co-act with said seat 90 to close the passagewa through said pin 85.

The bore of the body 84 is counterbored at 92 to form a manifolding chamber or channel from said passageway in said pin 85 to a plurality of longitudinally extending ducts or passageways 93, which extend from said chamber 92 to the lower end of said body 84. As will be noticed in Figures 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 29, said mandrel 8! has a tight sliding fit within the bore of said body 84. When said mandrel is in its lower position, so that said valve member 9| is engaging the seat 90 (Figures 3, 4, 11 and 12), one or more slots or ports 94 cut in said mandrel 8| are adjacent the lower edge of said body 84. When in this position, free well gas may flow therethrough and into said tubing while the well fluid is accumulating prior to being lifted.

The lower end of said valve body 84 is formed with an externally screw-threaded pin 95 for engaging within an internally screw-threaded box of a cylindrical, upstanding collar 96. This collar is formed on the upper end of an annular head or cap 9'! of said packer 53 and the lower end of this head 91 is provided with an internally screw-threaded box 98 for receiving an externally screw-threaded pin 99 on the upper end of a tubular mandrel mt. This mandrel extends through said packer and supports the same when in its unexpanded position (not shown). The lower end of said mandrel I00 is extended down within the well to the point where a larger pipe is swedged thereon to form a fluid accumulating chamber IOI.

This chamber is as long as is necessary in accordance with the well conditions and at its lower end is connected to the usual standing or foot valve H12 which is connected into the upper end of a collar I33. This collar has on its lower end a suitable screen or perforated bull plug I04, whereby well fluid may flow through the perforations of said bull plug IEM through said standing valve Hi2 and into said chamber ii. The mandrel Si is continued downwardly and is connected into a lower section of the tubing string M by suitable collars (not shown), and the lower end of this tubing string extends down into said chamber IGI to within a relatively short distance of said standing valve I02.

The outer surfac of the lower portion of said head 9? is tapered downwardly, so as to form an expanding surface or member N35 for engaging Within and expanding the packing member or sleeve I86. This packing sleeve I66 is riveted or clamped at its lower end to a narrow band or ring III! that is threaded upon, or otherwise suitably fastened to the upper end of an elongated, cylindrical collar I88. As will be noticed from Figures 4, 8 and 12, said packing sleeve I06 and said collar l 88 are slidably mounted on said mandrel and are free to move on said mandrel H10 between said head 91 and an external shoulder I09 formed on said mandrel I00 intermediate its ends. The

eally all hook-wall type of packers. end of said cage H3 is provided with a depende inggannular skirt H5, in which is formed the Jusual bayonet or J slotlnot shown). edge of said skirt is so inclined that a stud or e'pin II6 on the mandrel 8! will be led into this :cap 43 for said casing head 42. :is provided with a stuffing box or chamber I2I Ja'nd I22, that are similar in construction to said istufiing box 46. The stuffing box I2I has a piston lower portion of the outer surface of the collar I08 is tapered downwardly, so that an annular, inclined, guide surface I I is presented for a plurality of suitable gripping slips III to co-act therewith. The slips are arcuate in cross-sec tion', so as to conform to the inclined guide surter the upper end of said packing sleeve Illfi to compress and expand said sleeve into its packing or sealing position to form a fluid-tight seal at this point in'said casing string 40.

The slips are mounted on the upper end of flat "spring arms II2, the lower ends of which are 'removably fastened to a cylindrical supporting or'friction cage II3. This cage has a sliding fit on the mandrel 8| adjacent the lower ends of said slips 'and'a plurality of suitable friction or .leaf springs H4 are mounted on said cage II3,

=s0'as to form the usual friction cage on practi- The lower The lower slot to lock said cage in its lowermost or inactive position and prevent the accidental setting of said slips III and expanding of said packing nular hangers or bowls I I1 and H3, one on each side of said casing head diametrically opposite the other. Each of these hangers is provided .withia flat, annular cover or cap H and Q re- .spectively, bolted thereto that are similar to said Also, each cap rod I23 extending axially therethrough and the -stufiing box I22-has a similar piston rod I24 extending axially therethrough. The bowl II! has a short cylinder I25 depending therefrom with a bottom cap or collar I26 threaded onto its lower downward travel of said piston 29 and piston rod I23 are limited in their travel to the con- .fines of'said cylinder I25. The cylinder I2: has a similar structure, such as a piston I32, an upper stop I33 and a lower stop I34.

The upper end of the piston rods I23 and I24 are-connected together respectively by cross-arm members I35 and I35 and these arms are mounted centrally on'a collar I31. This collar is provided with anaxial bore with an internally screwthreaded box I33 in its lower end for receiving the threaded upper end of said polish rod 4?? for supporting and actuating said polish rod. It is pointed out in Figure.;13 that, when said pistons 78,

I29 and I32 are moved, said tubing string M is moved therewith accordingly. I J The upper portion of the bore of said collar I3! is also formed with an internally screw threaded box I39 for receiving a threaded pin on the lower end of a flow line connection or sub I40. This sub I40 is connected to the usual well fluid flow line I lI by a short piece of a suitable flexible connection or pipe I42. The casing head 42 is provided with a pair of radial, horizontally extending ears I63 and I44, diametrically opposite each other and at right angles tosaid cylinders I25 and I21 and said cross arms I35 and I35. These ears each have an upstanding, elongated bolt or screw I45 and H56 respectively, mounted thereon. The central collar I3! on saidcross arms I35 and I35 is also formedwith a shorter pair of cross arms I41 and I48, diametrically opposite each other and at right angles to said cross arms I35 and I36. The

outer ends of these armsI I'I and I48 are each formed with an 'eye I49 and I50 respectively. -Tl'lBS6fiY9SBI1Cl-IC16 said threaded bolts I45 and I40 respectively, for guiding and stc'adying said cross arms I35 and I36 and said polish rod 41, as well as to control the movement of said pistons I29 and I32, as .willbe described later;

" A pair of hand wheels I5I, I5I" arethreaded 'on said bolt I45 and a pair of hand wheels I52, 152' :are threaded on said bolt I45. As willbe noticedfone hand wheel of each pair I5I' and I52 are beneath said eyes I49 and I50 and one of each pair I5! and I52 are above said eyes.

Each. hand wheel has made integral therewith a gear, in order that suitable chains I53 and IE4 may be'placed' thereon, so as to gear the hand wheels beneath saidears together and the hand wheels above said ears together, whereby each 'setofhand'wheels I5I, 52 and I55, 552 become annitandoperate in unison. With this structure, it would be-impossible for either of said hand-wheels thus geared or linked together to be screwed up or; down more than the other on said threaded bolts I45 and HIS'and prevent an uneven slant to be given to said ears I45 and I50. The purpose of these hand wheels is to serve as adjustable stops to control and limit the up and down movement of saidears I49 and I50 and consequently said tubing string M. The exact purpose and function of said hand wheels will be more fully explained and described hereafter in the'specification; 1 The casing head 42 is provided with an inlet port into which is connected a pipe I55, which maybe the usual field pressure supply line, or a line from any suitable source of pressure fluid to supply said casing 40 with a reservoir of pressure fluid, as well as to supply an operating fluid for the control mechanism, as will be described later This pipe, I56 has a manually operated, gate valve 'I5'Iconnected therein near said casing 'headr42. A T I58 is connected in said pipe I56 between said casing head and said valve I51 for connecting an upright, distributing pipe I59 to said pipe I56. This pipe I59 has-a manually operated, gate valve 50 connected therein intermediate its ends and the lower end of said pipe I 59 terminates in a T I5I, that has connected :thereto a pair of manifold pipes I 62 and IE2. These'manifold pipes I52 and I52 extend one .from each side of said T I5I to said lower caps I26 and I28 of, said cylinders I25 and I2! respectively, whereby it will be seen that should said valve I60 be opened, the full pressure from Lsaidpipe1I56' will be distributed to said cylinders I25 and I21 beneath said pistons I29 and I32 therein.

This pipe I56 also has a T I63 connected therein on the other side of said valve I51 from said T I58 and I64 is connected to this T I63. A manually operated, gate valve I65 is connected in said pipe I64 and preferably near said T I63, although the location of this valve in this pipe is immaterial to the operation of the invention and may be located where desired. This pipe I64 extends from said T I63 to a suitable housing I66. This housing comprises a water-tight, dust-p oof en closure for the intermittent control mechanism, which mechanism controls the flow of a pressure fluid to the pistons I29 and I32, as will be described.

As will be seen in Figure 19, an elongate, rectangular body I61 is mounted in the lower portion of said housing 266 and is suitably fastened to said housing by one or more stud bolts I68 and I68 engaging respectively in threaded sockets I69 and I69, one on each end of said body. This body is spaced from and held rigid in said housing I66 by flat bosses I spaced along the lower edge of said body 561 between said bolts I68 and i 66. The purpose, function and operation of the intermittent control mechanism positioned within said housing I66 and mounted upon and within said body 561 is very similar to the intermittent control mechanism shown in my Patents N0.

2,171,4'18, No. 2,245,005, and No. 2,245,003. While the mechanism shown in this patent and in these applications may be used with this invention, in most instances on certain types of wells, I prefer to use the structure shown and described for 1 Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 28.

The pressure fluid supply pipe I64 is threadably connected into the lower end of a vertical port or passageway I1I extending transversely through said body 561 from its lower edge to its upper edge. This port I1I is connected to one end of an elongated, horizontally extending passageway I12 lying longitudinally of said body I61 and which terminates in a vertical port or passageway I13, similar to said port I1I. This port I13 extends from the upper edge of said body to the lower edge of said body, but does not extend below the bottom of said passageway I12, as a removable, clean-out or drain plug I14 is threaded into the lower end of said port I13. One end of an elongated, horizontally extending passageway I15, similar to said passageway I12, is connected to said vertical port I13 intermediate its ends and above where said passageway I12 terminates in said port I13, so that said port extends transversely of the ends of said passageways !12 and and forms a communication therebetween. The other end of said passagewa I15 terminates in a vertical, transverse port or passageway I16, similar to said port I1I. The lower end of said vertical port I16 has a pipe I11 threadably connected therein, the same as said pipe I64 in said vertical port I1I. This pipe I11 extends out of said housing I 66 (Figure 19) to one leg of a T I18, as will be seen in Figures 1 5, 9 and 26.

Another leg of the T I18 has a short nipple I19 connected therein, the other end of which is threaded into an internally screw-threaded box '80 of a check valve body I 8|. This check valve body IBI contains any suitable type of check valve, although it is preferred to use a ball and seat type with a spring, such as a ball I82 engaging a seat i83 in a flow passage I84 through said valve body I8I and this ball being held against said seat by a coiled spring I85. The lower end of said body I9I has a threaded box I86 into which is secrewed a short nipple I81, the lower of which is connected to one leg of a T I88.

The third leg of said T I18 has a short nipple 639 threaded thereinto, the other end of which is connected into a threaded box I90 of a by-pass valve body E95 which has a flow passage I92 therethrough. The lower end of said body I9I has a. clean-out plug I93 in its bottom and an upstanding, externally threaded pin or collar I94 on its upper end. This pin I94 receives an internally threaded box I95 on the lower end of an elongated, cylindrical collar or mandrel I96 and the upper end of this collar I96 has an externally screw threaded pin !91 for receiving a threaded cap or crown I98. The flow passage I92 of the valve body I9! has a dividing partition or web 199 extending thereacross and the web is prowith. a port 200 extending therethrough formed with an annular, ground seat 20I n s upper edge.

[in annular, frusto-conical valve member 202 is e apted to engage said seat 2M and is formed 113 a flat guide washer or disc 204. e disc is provided with an annular, upside flange or rim 205 for steadying said :so and holding said valve stem 203 and member 202 in alinement, whereby said member 292 will always engage said seat valve valve when moved to its closed position.

A threaded stem or screw 201 extends axially or e upper portion of said collar I96 and an annular, ground valve member 208 is formed on said stem at the upper end of said threaded portion for co-acting and engaging with a ground, annular seat 209 formed on the underside of an axial port 22 3 provided in said cap I98. An upright EH extends axially of said stem from said valve member 203 and the upper end of this pin 2H is formed to receive a hand wheel 2I2 and a locking nut 2L3 which clamps said wheel 2I2 to said p n 2! 5, whereby upon the rotation of said wheel M2 to the right or the left, said threaded stern 201 will be rotated therewith.

A circular guide bushing 2 I4 is slidably mounted within said collar I96 and threaded upon said stem 20?. This bushing 2I4 has an elongate rib or T 1265 extending longitudinally of its side for engaging within a longitudinally extending keyway 206 formed in the upper portion of the wall of collar 96 to hold said bushing against rotation, whereby when said stem is rotated in either direction. said bushing will be moved up or down in accordance with the threads on said stem d rection of rotation. A suitable coiled spring 236 is positioned within said collar I96 beneath said bushing 214 and rests upon said guide dsc 294 for forming a flexible, resilient connection between said bushing and said guide disc. It will be seen that by this structure a suitable, adjustable, back pressure valve is formed which be regulated to maintain any predetermined pressure in said passage I92 of said valve body is! beneath said valve member 202. This body I9I is also provided with an internally screwtiireaded box 2'! 1 similar to and diametrically opsaid box I90. This box 2I1 has one end of a pipe 2i6 threaded thereinto and the other end of which pipe extends to a second leg 2I9 of said T I38. The third leg 220 of said T has a pipe 22I connected thereinto and this pipe extends to one leg of a T 222.

tons in said cylinders.

formed with upright, co-axial, reduced p ns aeoaem The lower leg of the T1222 has a'short nipple 223 threaded .thereinto, the other end of which is connected to one leg of a T 22 and this nipple 223 has a manually operated, gate valve 2225 con-- This T'Ziit t:

nected therein intermediate its ends. has a horizontally extending pipe 225 connected to one leg and a similar pipe 225 connected to its other leg. The pipe'22t extends to said lower cap l26 ofsaid cylinder I25, and-saidpipe extends to said lower cap 5'23 oisaidicylinder location of the connections of said pipes in said .caps is immaterial to the operation of said'pis- The upper leg of said T 222 arelatively short, upright nipple 22'! connected thereinto and the upper end of this nipple is threaded into one leg of a T 228; The other two legs of thi T 228 have connected thereto, horizontally extending pipes 229 and 22%, similar to said pipes and 226. The pipe 229 extends to said bowl ii! on top tends to said bowl H8 on top of said cylinder I27. The short nipple 22l' has a manually operated, gate valve 23% connected intermediate its .ends, which is imilar to said' gate valve 225. It will be noticed that this structure forms a inanifold. Pressure iiuid may flow from said pipe 22!, into said T 222, through said nipple 223, inta .said pipes 226 and 22$ and beneath said pistons I29 and H52; if said valve 225 is open said valve 236 is closed. It said valve 225 is closed and 2':

Jsaid valve-239 is opened; pressure fluid may flow into said nipple 222, through pipes 22. and 229 and on top of said pistons i129 532. The purpose of this'manifold structure and said valves 225 and 239 will be described in detail later.

In Figures 19 and 20. it will be seen that said valve body member 16? in the lower end of said housing Hi6, has screwed into its upper side-three pairs of upright. externally screwtl.ireaded, stud bolts or posts 23L The threaded bolts comprising each pair of posts are spaced equidistant from this respective vertical ports Hi, H3 and HE; such as said posts 23-3 and 23! from said port iii, said posts 232 and 232' from said port H3, and said posts 233 and 233' from said port lit. All of said posts are secured to said body member it! by a locking boss or head 37:43 made integral the "ewith and the foot of each post is screwed into said body member, so that when the boss 333 tightened against the upper surface of said body iiiteach post-is ecurely andv rigidly held thereonz Each pair of posts and the respective port-therewith (Figures 19, 2G, 24.-and 25) constitute a separate valve in function and purpose. and while all. three are s milar construction, .I will. only one valve in detail (Figure 20) which description will suffice, for all.

The upperends of said poztsii i and 235 are having external scre .v-threads thereon. A dia phragm cap and piston. chamber ,gtnwcturejs .mounted upon the upper end of said threaded posts 235 and, 23!} on said pinsfifii and alined with said vertical port Hi. This diapin g piston structure is very similar to that shown and :used in my other forms of intermitter-s, such as my Patents No. 2,171,812, No. 2362,4162, No. 2,171,478, No. 2,245,003, and No. 2,245,005.

I This structure consists of a concave-convex,

of said cylinder H5 and said pipe 2% ex-- in and 'rected flange 23'! on its perimeter.

tition its into which is annular cap or head'236 having an outwardly di- The annular piston chamber or cylinder 23t'has a similar flange 239 and these two flanges 23? and 239 are clampedtogether by a plurality of bolts 240 and nuts 24!, as well as nuts 2G2 on theupper'ends of said threaded pins 235 for gripping and clamping a diaphragm disc 2&3 therebetween. It is pointedout that a-diaphragm actuating chamber 246 i formed-upon said d aphragm 2&3 within said cap 236. This diaphragm is provided with an axial opening, so that the upper end of a piston rod 2&5 may extendtherethrough, in order that said, diaphragm and a flat,- circular piston 25% may be securely connected together by a nut 2M engaging said threaded upper end of said piston rod 245 on the upper'side of said diaphragm; whereby said diaphragmflit; said piston 2% and said piston red 2 25 are'tied together and move as a unitary structure;

-It will be noticedinFigur'es l9 and 2G, that intermediate the ends of said threaded 001173.23! and 236', an adjusting nut-2M3 is mounted on each bolt and these nuts 'support'an oblong web or springbracket'z ia, whereby-upon the rotation ofsaid'nuts 2 38, said web-maybe raised or lowered asdesired. A suitable coiled spring 250 is interpotedbetween and bears against the upper surface ofsaid-web 2% and the lower surface of said piston-22 6', whereby an upward tension or thrust is placed or exerted upon said piston; saidpistonrod 2 i5and said diaphragm 253. Thus, it will be seen that'by adjusting said nut 248, this-tensionis regulated and may be increased or decreased'as is needed. I

The lower end of said piston rod 245 depends within said vertical port EH and a suitable stuffing box-is provided'for closing the upper end of said port ill and packing around the lower end of said piston rod 15. This stuffing box may comprise a' threaded nipple 255 having an axial opening 252 therethreugh, the upper portion of which is counterbored to provide a packing area or chamber for a suitable packing medium 253 to be insertedtherein. The usual follower block Eat-rides upon the packing and is engaged and actuated by a threaded cap 255 screwed upon the upper end of said nipple 25 l.

It will beseen in Figures 20 and as, that said piston rod 2&5 is provided with an axial bore or passageway 25% extending entirely therethrough, so that fluid may flow through said piston. rod from one end to the other. The. lower portion of said piston rod 245 is counterboredat, 251,50 as to provide an entrance or admission chamber. A small, annular dart or foot piece .258 is po sition'ed at thelower end of said piston rod and has a conical valve tip or face 259 onits lower side and an up tanding, short, cylindrical pin 250 on its upper side. This pin 25% has a loose: fit within said counterbore 251 and the upper end of said pin. abuts the lower edge of a small coil pring is! which exert fa slight tension downwardly on said. dart 25%. A small hole or open ing i152 is proiided'intlrie wall of piston rod adjacent the lower end of said piston rod for prov ding additional commun cation between said counterhore- 25'? the o side-"of said piston rod in said porti'i'i. It seen that said port i'li is'previde'd with ....n internal web or parthreaded a replaceable seat member or blYhli'lgf' 2*i2fwnich has an axial port 265 extending*therethrough and the upper end of said port is formed with a grcund, tapered seat 2.56 to-receivesai'd conical valve face 259 I It is pointed out that when said pressure fluid from said pipe I64 enters said valve body member I61 through said vertical port I1l, said pressure fluid has to flow into said longitudinal passageway 112 and through said port 265 of the replaceable seat member 264, whereby said pressure fluid will engage and lift said dart 253 against the tension of said spring 26!, as well as lift to some extent said piston rod 245. Then, said pressure fluid will enter said counterbore 251 both through said hole 262 and around said pin 266 of said dart 253, flowing through said bore 256 of said piston rod and out the upper end thereof on top of said diaphragm 243. While said spring 256 tends to keep said port 265 open, the filling up of said chamber 244 in said cap 236 and a pipe 261 leading therefrom to a clock valve body D will build up a pressure on said diaphragm 263, which is of a sufiiciently large area, whereby said piston rod will be moved downwardly onto its seat 266 to close said port 265, at whatever pressure it is desired to maintain in said chamber 244 of cap 236. Of course, the pressure maintained in said pipe 261, cap 236, bore 256, and port HI above partition 263 is controlled by the adjusting of said nuts 248 on said posts 28l and 23! and will be a reduced pressure from that present in said longitudinal passageway I12 up to the lower end of said vertical port I13 and in said port I1! below said partition 263.

This first valve A is termed and serves the purpose of a regulator valve, because the pressure in said pipe I64 is always greater than that used and desired for operating said clock valve D, whereby said pressure fluid is reduced at this point to the pressure desired and a reserve of this fluid pressure is maintained. Upon any withdrawal, this reserve is replenished by a reduction of the pressure in said chamber 244 upon said diaphragm 243, so that said spring 250 will lift said piston rod 245 and open said port 265. It will be seen that said pipe 261, said cap 236, said bore 256, and said port I1I above said partition 263 are in communication. and form a pressure fluid reservoir; so that upon withdrawal of pressure fluid from said pipe 261, the pressure within said chamber 244 of said cap 236 will also be reduced simultaneously, whereby said spring 250 lifts said piston 246, said piston rod 245 and said valve face 259 from said seat 266 for admitting more pressure fluid through said port 265. The pressure in said reservoir is again increased to the point where said diaphragm 243 forces said piston 246 and said piston rod 245 downwardly and closed said port 26-5, whereby a predetermined pressure may be maintained in said reservoir by adjusting the tension of said spring 258 by the rotation of said nuts 248 on said bolts 23$ and 23I'.

The second valve B on said body I61 is termed and serves the purpose of a motor or gate valve, as it controls the flow of pressure fluid from said passageway I12 through said port 13 into said passageway H5. It will be seen that the structure of valve B is very similar to valve A, with the exception that the piston rod 268 is solid and has a reduced portion 269 on its lower end which terminates in an enlarged foot piece or valve member 210. The action of valve B is also different in that the axial port 21I of the replaceable seat member 212 is larger in diameter than said port 265 of said seat member 264 of said valve A and is opened upon the downstroke or travel of said piston rod 268 and is closed upon the upstroke of aid piston rod. ,7

The third valve 0 is termed and serves the pur pose of a release or control valve and this valve and port I16 are similar to said valve A and port I1I in structure and action, with the exception that the piston rod 213 is solid and terminates at its lower end in a conical tip or valve member 214 for engaging a valve seat 215 at the upper end of a port 216 of a replaceable seat member 211, similar to said seat member 264. This valve C closes said port 216 upon the downward travel of piston rod 213 and opens the same upon its upward travel. The upward and downward travel of said piston rod is caused by the accumulation of pressure fluid in a diaphragm cap 218 acting upon a diaphragm 219 against the tension of a coiled spring 289. When said piston rod 213 is in its upper position as shown in Figure 20, any fluid in said passageway 515 or said pipe I11 will flow through said port 216, into a longitudinally extending passageway 28I, then into a transversely extending passageway 282 extending to said threaded port or bolt hole I69 for said stud bolt I68, from which it is led into the axial port or bore 283 of said stud bolt I68 from which it is vented to the atmosphere.

Whenever said valve B is opened, said Valve C will be closed; that is, said piston rod 213 will be in its lower position and pressure fluid from said passageway I12 entering said port I13 and said passageway I15 will flow into and through said pipe l11 from which it will be led to said T 222. When said valve B has closed and said valve 0 is opened, said port 216 is opened so that the pressure fluid in said passageway I 15, said pipe I11 and whichever side of the manifold is opened, depending upon the position of said valves 225 and 239, will bleed through said port 216, said passageways 28I and 282 and out of said bore 283 of said stud bolt I68.

It is pointed out that whenever said valve B is opened, so that pressure fluid is introduced or admitted into said passageway I15, and said valve C is closed, the fluid entering said pipe l11, flows into said T I18, from which it enters said nipple I19, as well as said nipple 169. The fluid entering said valve body l9! from said nipple I89 will flow on top of said valve 262, which being closed will prevent passage of pressure fluid through said valve body HM and said passageway i92. The pressure fluid introduced into said nipple I19 enters said check valve body I8I and said flow passage I84 therethrough forcing said ball I62 off its seat I83 against the tension of said spring I85, whereby said fluid may flow on through said valve body I8i into said nipple 581, through said T 128 and into said pipe 22I. Of course, the pressure fluid will also enter said pipe 2I6 from said leg 2I9 of said T I88, so that the same pressure will be present in said pipe 218 and in said passage I92 of said bypass valve body I9I beneath said valve member 262, as is in said pipe 22l. However, as the same pressure is above said valve as beneath, said valve 202 will not be actuated or lifted and the pressure fluid will flow through said pipe 22I to said T 222.

iii hen said valve B has closed and said valve C has been opened, the pressure in said pipe 22I cannot flow back through said check valve I8I and must flow through said pipe 218 and said port 286 of said web I99 of said by-pass valve iii 5. The purpose of this adjustable by-pass valve 61 is that the pressure in said pipes HI and H3 may be bled or reduced to whatever pres- -nected into said flow line IilI.

sure it is desired to maintain therein without reducing the same to atmosphere upon each actuation of said release Valve C, whereby a great saving in pressure fluid and time is obtained.

The piston rod 213 of said valve C has the major portion of its upper end externally screwthreaded (Figures 20 and 25) to engage in an elongated boss 295 formed on the underside of a fiat, circular piston 286, similar to said piston 246. An elongated lock nut 281 is mounted on said threads of said piston rod 213 beneath said boss 285 to lock said piston and said piston rod together, and it is preferred that the lower end of this nut 281 extend below the normal operating position of the spring supporting web 2 19. It will be seen in Figures 19, 20 and 25, that a short distance below the lower end of said nut 281, a knurled band or ring 293 is formed on said piston rod 213.

In order to change the operation of said re-- lease valve C from time controlled releasing to well fluid pressure releasing, the lock nut 281 is screwed downwardly until the lower end thereof is on a line with the upper edge of said knurled band 298, as will be seen in Figure 25, then said piston rod 213 and said lock nut 281 therewith are screwed upwardly into said boss 285, until Ihe upper end of said lock nut abuts the lower end of said boss. The lower end of said piston 'rod 213 is formed with an internally threaded socket (not shown) for receiving the threaded pin on the upper end of an elongated, reduced pm 289, which has an upset head on its lower end forming a foot piece or valve member 299. The upper surface of this valve member has an annular valve face 295 ground thereon for engaging a ground seat 292 formed on the lower end of said bore or port 2% of said replaceable seat member 211 When said piston rod 213 is screwed upwardly into said boss 285, said valve member 299 on the lower end of said reduced stem 299 will be moved therewith, so that said valve face 29! has engaged said seat 292 at the lower end of said port or passage 215 of said replaceable seat member 211, whereby said passageway is now closed when said piston rod 213 is in its uppermost position (Figure 25). When said valve C is in this position and said valve B is opened, pressure fluid flowing from said passageway i12, through said passageway 2H and into said passageway I15 will flow into said pipe 11 to said pipe 22I, as has been described, and will not be vented. Thus, it will be seen that now said valve C opens on its downstroke and closes on its upstroke.

When the flowing well fluid from the tubing string 4! reaches the surface of the well, it will flow through said sub [99 and said flow line pipes 562 and Hill to any suitable disposal (not shown). The flowing well fluid will also enter and/or exert a pressure through a pipe 293, one end of which is connected to a leg of a T 294 con- The other end of this pipe 293 is connected to a well fluid manifold mounted on the upper end of said cap 218 of said release valve C to transmit the pressure of said well fluid to said diaphragm 219 within said cap 218 and depress the same and said piston rod 213. This downward travel of said piston rod (Figure 25) will move said valve face 29! from its seat 292 to open said passageway 219, whereby the pressure fluid in said. passageway W5, said pipe ill and said nipple i153 will escape through said passageways 216, 28R

' and vented to the atmosphere.

and 282, out of said bore 283 of said bolt I 68" The valve B has been closed before said valve C is actuated to release said pressure fluid from said passageway I15 and said pipe I11. The pressure fluid in said cylinders I25 and I21, either above or below said pistons I29 and I32, in said manifold pipes 223, 226 and 226, or in said manifold pipes 221, 229 and 229, said T 222, and said pipes 22I and 2I8 will be bled through said by-pass valve I9I and reduced to the predetermined pressure desired to be maintained therein.

As has been pointed out, a more or less constant pressure is supplied to said pipe I64 from aid casing head .2, or said field line I59, or any other suitable source. The spring 259 of said regulator valve A is set so as to maintain a predetermined pressure within said reservoir and this pressure will also be present in said pipe 291, in a T 296 connected in said pipe 261, and in a pressure gauge 291 connected in said T, up to said clock or time operated valve D.

This clock valve D is preferably constructed of a rectangular block or valve body 298 having a vertical bore 299 extending therethrough. This bore extends downwardly through said block from the top thereof to the bottom and is threaded at each end for receiving a thimble or bushing 999 at its upper end and a coupling member 39! at its lower end, The coupling member 3! connects with said pipe 261 and is provided with an axial bore 392 extending therethrough, the upper end of which is threaded to receive a removable valve seat 393. i

A laterally directed, horizontally extending opening or passageway 394 extends outwardly from said bore 299 of said valve body 298, intermediate the threaded portions of said bore and preferably just above the upper end of said removable seat 393. The outer end of said passageway 39 i is also threaded to receive a short length of pipe 995. Thus, it will be seen that a passageway from said pipe 261 to said pipe 305 is provided through said valve body 298.

The thimble 399 at the upper end of said bore 299 is provided with an axial bore 396, the lower portion of which is counterbored at 391 and a small, cylindrical valve member or dart 308 is positioned within said counterbore 391. The lower end of the valve member 398 is pointed or tapered, so as to engage and seat upon said removable valve seat 393 for closing said passageway through said valve body 298, whereby the flow of fluid from said pipe 261, to said pipe 395, through said valve body may be controlled. It is pointed out that said valve member 398 may undergo a limited, sliding movement within said counterbore 301.

A thin valve rod or stem 399 extends downwardly through said bore 396 of said thimble 390 and the lower end of said stem 399 rests upon the upper end of said valve member 398, but has no fixed connection therewith. Manifestly, when said valve stem is moved downwardly, its lower end engaging the upper edge of said valve mem-' her 398, said valve member is moved downwardly, so that the conical point on its lower end engages said removable seat member 393 and closes said fluid passageway through said valve body 298. So long as said valve stem is held in its lowermost position, it will hold said valve member 398 in a seated position which positively prevents a flow of fluid from said pipe 281 and said bore 392 of said coupling member 33, into said bore 299 and said pipe 305. However, when the pressure on the upper end of said valve stem 309 is released or removed, the pressure of said fluid in said pipe 26'! and said bore 302 of said coupling member 30! acting against the underside of said valve member 308, will move said member and said valve stem upwardly in said counterbore 301 and said bore 306 of said thimble 300 respectively. It is pointed out that the upward movement of this valve member will be limited, if not terminated sooner, by the upper end of said valve member engaging or striking the shoulder formed between said counterbore 30! and said bore 306, and as the upward movement of said valve member 308 ceases, the upward movement of said valve stem 309 will also be terminated.

For controlling the operation of said valve stem 309 to regulate the seating and unseating of said valve member 308, said valve stem has its upper end contacting the underside of a knurled head 3|0 of an adjustable stop bolt 3!!, but has no fixed connection therewith. This bolt is threaded through the underside of a horizontally extending lever 3!2 and lock nut 3! 3 is screwed onto the upper end of said bolt 3! l above the lever 3! 2 to lock said bolt in its adjusted position. This lever 3! 2 has one end curved downwardly and pivoted to said valve body 299 on a pivot pin or bolt 3M, so that said lever extends upwardly from one corner of said valve body 298 and overhangs the same.

In Figures 19, 22 and 23, it is pointed out that due to the pivotal mounting of said lever M2, the same tends to swing downwardly at all times and is supported only by said valve stem 309 and said valve member 308, whereby the weight of said lever and its attachments is imposed upon said valve stem and said valve member to hold said member in its seated position. In order for said lever 352 to be lifted, the pressure of the fluid below said valve member must be sufficient to lift said lever and its attachments; although, it is true that said valve member and said stem exert or transmit the lifting action of said pressure fluid at a spaced point from said pivot pin 354-, or the fulcrum of said lever, and this spacing to some extent facilitates the lifting of said lever.

An operating crank or curved finger 3I5 is pivoted at one end to an ear or lug 3H5 depending from the underside of said lever 3l2. The outer end of said finger 3!5 is upturned and slotted to form a bifurcated yoke in which a small roller 3!! is so mounted that it is free to revolve therein. It will be noticed in Figures 19, 22 and 23, that said roller rides on the periphery of a suitable escapement or revolvable wheel 3.!8, which has one or more notches 3l9 cut or formed in its circumference. This escapement wheel is mounted on a shaft 320 extending from a suitable housing 32! containing a time or clock mechanism (not shown) for driving said shaft 320 and said wheel 3H3. This wheel revolves in a counterclockwise direction (Figures 19, 22 and 23) and said roller 3 T rides on the periphery of said wheel 3!8, so that when said wheel has revolved and one of said notches 3 9 has come over said roller; the same is free to enter said notch, due to the pressure of said pressure fluid beneath said valve member 308, as will be described later.

The outer end of said lever 3|2 is provided with a depending bolt or pin 322 which extends through a slot (not shown) in said finger 3 l and the lower end of this pin 322 is threaded to receive a knurled nut 323. A small, coiled spring 324 is mounted on said pin 322 between said nut 323 and the underside of said finger 3!5, so as to exert a lifting action on said finger. The tension of said spring 324 may be regulated by the rotation of said knurled nut 323, whereby said finger and said lever are so connected together as to co-act and form a flexible connection from said roller 3!! to the upper end of said valve stem 309. The flexibility or rigidity of this connection, thus formed, may be regulated by the tension placed on said spring 324 by said knurled'nut 323. Thereby, when one of said notches 3|9 is above said roller 3!'!, said pressure fluid beneath said valve member 308 will lift said valve member, said valve stem 309, said lever 3! 2, said finger 3l5 and said roller 3H, until said roller engages the bottom of said notch, which terminates the upward movement or travel of said parts and roller. However, said roller may drop slightly from contact with the bottom of said notch, depending upon the setting of said clock valve D, as will be described later.

It is pointed out that when the actuation of said valve C is time controlled, said valve C is actuated at a lower pressure than is required to actuate said valve B (Figures 19 and 20), so that when said valve member 308 has been moved upwardly to open the passageway through said valve body 298; the pressure fluid from said pipe 26'! entering said pipe 305 will flow into a T 325. One leg of this T 325 is connected by a short length of pipe 326 to the cap 32'! of said valve B, and the other leg of said T is connected by a short length of pip 328 to the upper end of a pet cock 329. The lower end of this pet cock 329 is threaded into the upper side of said fluid manifold 295, which in turn is threaded into the upper end of said cap 218 of said valve 0 When said release valve C is time actuated, said pet cock is in an open position, as shown in Figure 20, and said piston rod has been screwed out of said boss 285, until a line or shallow groove 330, formed on said piston rod, is on a line with the lower end of said lock nut 28?, as is shown in Figures 19 and 20. With said valve C in this position, the pressure fluid from said pipe 305 will not only enter said T 325, said pipe 326, said diaphragm cap 321 of said valve B and said pipe 328, but will also flow through said pet cock 329, said manifold 295 and into said cap 218 of said valve C on top of said diaphragm 2'39. The piston rod 213 of said valve C will be moved downwardly, so that said valve face 2l'4 will engage the seat at the upper end of said passageway 276 and close the same, before said piston rod 268 of said valve B is moved downwardly to open said passageway 21!. The pressure fluid from said passageway H2 may now flow through said passageway 27!, into said passageway I15 and into said pipe I'll. It will be apparent, that this clock valve D regulates the entire actuation of said valves B and C, which makes them completely time operated valves. The regulating mechanism of said clock valve D is the knurled bolt 3!! and its lock nut 3!3 threaded through said lever 3|2.

The finger 3i5 has a short, upstanding lug 33! on its upper surface near said pin 322 and spaced from said lug 3i 3 for engaging the undersurface of said lever 3l2, Attention is directed to Figures 22 and 23, wherein it will be seen that there is a small space between the upper end of said lug 33! and the underside of said lever 3l2. The amount of space between said lug and said lever is regulated by said bolt 3i I and this space, together with the adjustment of said bolt 3!! 

